[Histonet] RE: embedding without a station?

[Linda Jenkins]

Anila,
         You wanted to know what embedding method worked before embedding 
stations.  This is bound to bring out replies from the "old timers" (myself 
included)!  We used  an electric paraffin pot with spigot (Lipshaw), a 
bunsen burner, and an insulated asbestos pad which was normally used nearby 
a stovetop.  You will notice that open flames are discouraged in labs and 
asbestos...well...that is downright outlawed!  The procedure went something 
like this:  Open cassette and remove tissue with forceps, briefly pass 
tissue through the flame of the bunsen burner( nothing smells quite like 
singed hair), orient in metal base mold, add paraffin and attach embedding 
ring.  We also had a portable cryoplate that we placed all the embedded 
samples on.
         Basically, a little creative engineering should solve your 
problem.  You will need something that will keep your paraffin melted at 
the optimal temperature and a heated vessel to hold your cassettes in and a 
portable work surface that can be easily cleaned of paraffin debris.  I 
would be curious to know what you come up with.
Thanks,
Linda

Linda Jenkins, HT
Clemson University
Dept. of Bioengineering
Clemson, SC 29634-0905
864.656.5553
http://www.ces.clemson.edu/bio/research/histo.htm